He had questions for people who had been following his journey  like what to do when it arrives? How does the original delivery Phase II paint scheme, with the SDP40F No. 552 markings below the window sound?

The proposed regional rail system linking the North Carolina cities of Raleigh, Cary, Research Triangle Park, and Durham has received an unprecedented form of support from North Carolina DOT: the states first-ever Full Funding Grant Agreement.

The North Carolina Board of Transportation, the body responsible for policy decisions for N.C. DOT, has authorized state Secretary of Transportation Lyndo Tippett to execute the state FFGA, which will formally pledge the departments intention to contribute 25 percent toward the total cost of the construction of TTAs rail system. State officials believe this action will give the TTA an advantage as it seeks competitive federal funds.

This Full Funding Grant Agreement formalizes our support of TTAs efforts to bring regional rail to the Triangleand will help us get our share of the federal funds needed to make it a reality, Tippett said. Regional rail will play a crucial role in the states transportation system, offering transportation alternatives and relieving congestion in urban areas like the Triangle, Charlotte, and the Triad [Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point].

Once the agreement is approved, N.C. DOT will enter into an agreement with TTA to pledge, subject to legislative appropriation, about $200 million toward the $813 million total cost of the 35-mile system. TTA will use this agreement in its effort to secure funds from the federal government.

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In an effort to expand the on-line experience at the National Corridors Initiative web site, we have added a page featuring links to other rail travel sites. We hope to provide links to those cities or states that are working on rail transportation initiatives - state DOTs, legislators, governor's offices, and transportation professionals - as well as some links for travelers, enthusiasts, and hobbyists.

If you have a favorite rail link, please send the uniform resource locator address (URL) to the webmaster in care of this web site. An e-mail link appears at the bottom of the NCI web site pages to get in touch with D. M. Kirkpatrick, NCI's webmaster in Boston.